Overview

At Neighborhood House our mission is to support families by creating a community of opportunity, where together we are: connecting to one another, connecting to resources, breaking down barriers, advocating for change, and investing in futures. Our vision is that Neighborhood House families are thriving.

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for a Head Start classroom. S/he works collaboratively with an assistant teacher, family members, and other staff to achieve positive outcomes for children of all abilities.

Agency Duties and Responsibilities

* Supports the mission and philosophy of Neighborhood House as evidenced by compliance with all agency policies and procedures.

* Supports and ensures all applicable procedures are followed that attain and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies.

* Supports and facilitates positive interaction with others as evidenced by respect for others, a team-centered approach, an appreciation of a multicultural workplace, and maintenance of confidential information.

* Performs job duties (serves) in a way that supports Neighborhood House Values: We practice EQUITY, We ensure BELONGING and UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE, We build success through RELATIONSHIPS, We are ACCOUNTABLE, We are relentlessly COURAGEOUS, We find, create, and celebrate JOY

* Exhibits sound stewardship by effectively managing financial resources, information resources, and physical resources to achieve the objectives of Neighborhood House.

* Exhibits regular and punctual attendance.

Job-Specific Duties and Responsibilities

* Understand and Implement GLHS's chosen curriculum with fidelity, being aware of the big ideas while following all guidance and resources.

* Know and understand GLHS's School Readiness Goals and strive to help all children achieve them.

* Leads the daily learning activities such as art, music, dramatic play, and physical activities, to help children gain social/emotional skills, physical development, and cognitive/language skills.

* Prepare or modify weekly lesson plans and prepare to implement individual plans, small-group activities, and other curriculum components.

* Maintain positive teacher-child interactions that provide emotional support and behavior management.

* Maintains accurate daily attendance records, following the appropriate sign-in procedure.

* Collect documentation of children through ongoing observation, and embedded and direct assessment activities.

* Complete quarterly assessment checkpoints, reliably, for each child.

* Analyze child assessment data and use it to plan and individualize.

* Complete developmental and social-emotional screenings on all children within prescribed time frames.

* Integrate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or referral action plans for children with diagnosed or suspected special needs.

* Maintains a clear and respectful communication plan for all parents of children in the assigned classroom, including both oral and written communication.

* Schedule and complete two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences each year.

* Ensure classroom arrangement, materials, and displays are organized and conducive to children's learning.

* Administers positive discipline when needed, according to the center's Positive Discipline policy.

* Supports the necessary activities of daily living with each child in the classroom. These activities may include but are not limited to, the following: using the restroom, diapering, feeding, hand washing, tooth brushing, and hair brushing.

* Establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment, including full supervision of children at all times, and monitoring of daily health/safety practices in accordance with Head Start, childcare licensing requirements and STARS.

* Helps maintain cleanliness and order in the assigned classroom. Sanitizes toys/surfaces each day.

* Leads in mealtime activities, including serving meals or feeding children, removing waste, and washing/sanitizing surface areas.

* Participates in a minimum of 15 clock hours of assigned training annually and attends all staff meetings.

* Uses open, honest, direct, and constructive communication with coworkers, supervisors, and directors and encourages and supports co-workers in the same endeavor.

* Handles disputes with coworkers professionally, including addressing the coworker respectfully first to find a solution, involving the Director only when a solution can not be found, and not talking about the issue with people who are not directly involved.

* Maintains confidentiality of program stakeholders, including children, family, and staff, at all times.

* Supervises assigned volunteers as applicable.

* Provides supervision and oversight to the assistant assigned to the classroom.

* Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

* AA/AS in Early Childhood Education -- OR a BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, OR a state-awarded preschool teacher certification with experience teaching preschool-aged children, OR a BA/BS in a related field with at least six college courses in Early Childhood Education plus experience teaching preschool-aged children (or must agree to complete one of these requirements within 2 years of hire. Tuition assistance may be available)

* Candidates must pass a physical exam and an extensive background investigation before being hired and may be required to undergo drug testing.

* This position involves lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, stooping, squatting, running, and climbing stairs.

* Must have a valid state-issued ID; valid KY driver's license preferred.

* Must have reliable transportation.